For Jalen Brunson, the central focus is on leading the New York Knicks to win their first NBA title since 1973. Their 105-95 Game 1 victoryagainst the San Antonio Spurs was a profound statement.
Therefore, there is no room for error or distraction. As a result, Brunson has refused to cut promos featuring the Larry O'Brien Trophy for ESPN, per NBA Today. He didn't need to explain why to ESPN's Maria Taylor.
“No comment,” he said twice. Taylor then said, “I think Kobe Bryant might appreciate that mentality of just that ultimate focus. He might also appreciate taking 30 shots last night.”
In Game 1, Brunson shot 12-for-31 and came away with 30 points, three rebounds, and two assists, despite suffering a leg and knee injury.
Jalen Brunson has REFUSED to go in any rooms for promotional material for the Finals with the Larry O'Brien Trophy
(h/t @MrBuckBuckNBA) pic.twitter.com/KYHJl8mtek
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 5, 2026
Article Continues Below
Ultimately, Brunson treats the Larry O'Brien Trophy in the same vein as the Stanley Cup. NHL players don't touch the Stanley Cup for superstitious reasons because the trophy is only worthy of celebration.
As far as Kobe Bryant goes, Taylor was referring to his notorious “Mamba Mentality,” in which tunnel vision triumphs over complacency and prematureness. Bryant was the ultimate competitor of his time, where winning mattered most, and taking pictures with the Larry O'Brien Trophy before winning it is unacceptable.
That famed “Mamba Mentality” enabled him to win five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010). Meanwhile, Brunson is looking for his first NBA title. Brunson has been the Knicks' ultimate playmaker and is facing the biggest test of his young career.
Game 2 of the NBA Finals is on Friday at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
For Jalen Brunson, the central focus is on leading the New York Knicks to win their first NBA title since 1973. Their 105-95 Game 1 victory against the San Antonio Spurs was a profound statement. Therefore, there is no room for error or distraction. As a result, Brunson has refused to cut promos featuring the Larry O'Brien Trophy for ESPN, per NBA Today.